Squalane oil has secured a prominent place in the skincare market, celebrated for its ability to moisturize, defend, and renew the skin. Derived from squalene, a lipid innately found in human skin cells, squalane oil is a stabilized version of squalene, offering enhanced stability. That said, not all squalane oil is the same. Its derivation plays a significant role in determining its ethics and environmental impact.
Breaking Down the Origins of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil can be obtained from a pair of major sources: animal-based and vegetable-sourced materials. The preference between these options is essential to consider for ethics and sustainability.
The Controversy of Animal-Based Squalane Oil
Historically, squalane oil was often extracted from the livers of sharks. Sharks are an abundant provider of squalene, which is processed into squalane oil. Unfortunately, this approach has major ethical issues. Millions of sharks are killed every year for their livers, causing the depletion of shark populations and disrupting marine ecosystems. In addition, the processes used are unsustainable and are environmentally destructive.
Why Botanical Squalane Oil is the Ethical Choice
In contrast, botanical-based squalane oil is a sustainable and environmentally conscious alternative. It is produced from plants, removing dependency on animal harvesting. This option not only aligns with ethical practices but also delivers a high-quality product for skincare applications.
Understanding Botanical Squalane Oil Sources
Among botanical-based squalane oils, a pair of categories does olive oil have squalane stand out: squalane oil from olives and squalane oil from sugarcane. While these two offer botanical options, their environmental impact differs significantly.
Why Olive-Derived Squalane Oil Stands Out
Olive-derived squalane oil is considered the superior choice for ethical reasons. Olives are a sustainable resource that generate fewer emissions. On top of that, olive squalane oil provides comparable hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties as its sugarcane-derived counterpart.
Environmental Concerns with Sugarcane Squalane Oil
By comparison, sugarcane-derived squalane oil is associated with significant environmental challenges. Sugarcane farming uses excessive volumes of water and often causes pollution. As a result, it becomes environmentally taxing than squalane oil from olives.
The Skincare Benefits of Squalane Oil
Squalane oil offers a plethora of skin-enhancing qualities for all skin types. Here’s why it shines in skincare:
Deep Hydration: Squalane oil penetrates deeply into the skin, offering long-lasting hydration without causing breakouts.
Non-Comedogenic Benefits: Its lightweight texture ensures it’s suitable for all skin types, including oily skin.
Anti-Aging Properties: Rich in antioxidants, squalane oil reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while shielding against free radicals.
Gentle Yet Effective: Its pure formulation reduces redness, keeping it great for easily irritated skin.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have dry, combination skin, squalane oil offers unparalleled advantages. By choosing botanical options, most notably olive-derived squalane oil, you not only prioritize sustainability but also treat your skin to a highly effective products available.